Modafinil Viatris (Modafinil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Modafinil Viatris Used For?
Modafinil Viatris is a medication that helps improve wakefulness in people who experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to certain sleep disorders.
Primary Uses
Modafinil Viatris treats excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy (sudden, irresistible tendency to fall asleep during normal waking hours), Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS), and moderate to severe chronic Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) when non-drug therapies have been unsuitable or unsuccessful.
How It Works
The exact way Modafinil Viatris works is not fully understood, but it acts on the central nervous system (brain). Unlike other stimulant medicines, it increases wakefulness without overstimulating or producing a ‘high’ feeling. It only treats the symptom of sleepiness, not the underlying cause of your sleep disorder.
Good to know: Unlike other stimulants, Modafinil Viatris does not overstimulate or produce a ‘high’ feeling
How to Take Modafinil Viatris
Take Modafinil Viatris exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage depends on your individual response and the condition being treated.
Dosage Instructions
For narcolepsy or OSAHS: 200-400mg daily, taken either as two separate doses (morning and midday) or as one morning dose. Do not take later than midday to avoid sleep problems. For SWSD: 200mg taken 1 hour before starting your work shift. Swallow tablets whole with water. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and increase gradually.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Poor appetite
- Upset stomach
- Nervous feeling
- Dizziness
- Feeling anxious
- Trouble sleeping
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious skin rash, hives, mouth sores, skin blistering and peeling
- Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Mental symptoms (depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, irritability, hallucinations, mania, thoughts of suicide)
- Chest pain or abnormal heart beats
- Fits or convulsions
- Fever, shortness of breath, leg swelling, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine
Important Warnings
Before taking Modafinil Viatris, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Modafinil Viatris
Do not take if you are allergic to modafinil or any ingredients, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you are under 18 or over 65 years old, have a history of mental health problems, heart problems (including angina, previous heart attack, enlarged heart), abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, are taking hormonal contraceptives, or are receiving treatment for anxiety.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Modafinil is suspected to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. If you could become pregnant, confirm with a pregnancy test that you are not pregnant within a week before starting treatment. Do not use while breastfeeding.
Pregnancy Warning: Modafinil is suspected to cause birth defects – pregnancy test required before starting treatment
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Modafinil Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Contraceptive Warning: May reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives – use additional non-hormonal birth control during treatment and for 2 months after stopping
- Brain stimulants (such as methylphenidate)
- Medicines for depression, including MAOIs
- Anti-seizure medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Sleep medicines (sedatives)
- Rifampicin (tuberculosis antibiotic)
- Ciclosporin (organ transplant medicine)
- Propranolol (blood pressure/heart medicine)
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Theophylline (asthma medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and avoid driving until you know how Modafinil Viatris affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The interaction between alcohol and Modafinil Viatris should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Modafinil Viatris affects you. The medication may cause dizziness in some people.
Storage
Store Modafinil Viatris tablets below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Modafinil Viatris, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication should be taken 1 hour before your work shift for shift work sleep disorder, or in the morning/midday for narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Individual response times may vary.
The medication should be swallowed whole with water. The leaflet doesn’t specify whether it needs to be taken with or without food, so follow your doctor’s instructions.
Unlike other stimulants, Modafinil Viatris does not overstimulate or produce a ‘high’ feeling, which suggests lower addiction potential, but always follow your doctor’s guidance.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. If you need to stop treatment, your doctor will advise you on how to do this safely.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as the interaction between alcohol and Modafinil Viatris needs to be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Yes, Modafinil Viatris may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Use additional non-hormonal birth control during treatment and for 2 months after stopping.
Stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor or get emergency treatment if you develop skin rash, hives, mouth sores, or skin blistering and peeling, as this can be serious.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.